Painters Put Ugly Mark On Neighborhood

August 19, 1986|By Don Boyett, Seminole County Editor

No man is an island: The graffiti appeared on the house across the street about the time her second daughter, Kristin, was born -- three months ago -- and for Amy Brewer it has been a daily reminder of the complexities of a free society. Offensive as it is in a 20-year-old neighborhood trying to ward off decay, the work of some spray-can Picasso violates no criminal law, a deputy sheriff says, though there is no question but that it intrudes visually on adjoining property.

At least the worst is over. The worst was the one, big, ugly obscene word that blared out from the garage door for six weeks before Brewer finally prevailed on occupants of the house to paint over it, even furnishing the paint. The - - - - of the - - - - YOU message has been painted over.

But on one end of the house, huge red letters crudely adorn the sand- colored wall; there is an equally crude star on the door and other minor scribblings.

The neighborhood is concerned about property values, says Brewer. As for the occupants, Brewer says they say it is up to the landlord to get it painted. When I called the man at work, he would say only that ''It's a police matter,'' then terminated our conversation with, ''It's none of your business.'' I did learn that the man, on Aug. 1, filed a complaint with the state attorney's office, alleging vandalism and naming a suspect.

Brewer continues to bristle at what the remaining work is doing to the neighborhood, and to her children. In addition to Kristin, there are two older children, 6 and 5, ''And my 6-year-old could recognize that word. It's not something you appreciate seeing each time you look out the front window.''

No doubt about it, the graffiti is offensive. I wouldn't want it in my neighborhood; you wouldn't want it in yours. Still, Lt. John Thorpe, sheriff's department watch commander, told me ''There's not a lot we can do.'' The courts, he said, have held that obscenity is not against the law unless used in a vocal and provocative way.

Perhaps. But what I saw looked provocative, even with the - - - - painted over. It's been a long three months for Brewer and her neighbors.